Coronavirus Global Health Emergency, 2019-nCoV #2

[gregjrichards]

Doctors have warned of a rise in racist incidents as Asian-Australians have been targeted amid coronavirus fears. Guardian Australia has been told of one involving a young mother who was racially abused on a Sydney train.

The body representing Australian doctors working in emergency departments called for a calm and fact-based response to the new coronavirus, and to avoid “panic and division” amid the spread of misinformation.

Australian doctors warn of rise in racist abuse over coronavirus

This is terrible and it shouldn’t be happening.

 

[margarita25]

Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) situation reports

Latest situation report / WHO:

Situation report - 14
Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
3 February 2020

—

CDC

This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance.

What's New

• Risk Assessment & Public Health Management of Persons with Potential 2019-nCoV ExposureMONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020
• 2019-nCoV Situation SummaryMONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020
• Cases in the U.S.MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020
• Frequently Asked Questions and AnswersMONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2020
• Information for Healthcare ProfessionalsSATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020
• Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2020
• Information for LaboratoriesTUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020

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U.S. Officials Promise ‘Aggressive Measures’ to Contain Coronavirus

—

Coronavirus Live Updates: Malaysia confirms first citizen infected - The Economic Times

“Authorities said the 41-year-old Malaysian had travelled to Singapore for a meeting last month with colleagues from China - including one from Wuhan, the epicentre of the epidemic. But he only showed symptoms on Jan. 29, nearly a week after he returned to Malaysia.”

—-

BBC:
Uber blocks drivers who picked up coronavirus man
There are no confirmed cases in the country as of yet
February 3, 2020

“Mexico's Ministry of Health said a passenger "of Chinese origin" had taken a flight from Los Angeles to Mexico City on 20 January.

The man then visited tourist attractions, museums and shops in Mexico City, for two days.

He started feeling ill on the evening of 21 January, and the next day took an Uber back to the airport.

When he arrived back in the United States he was tested positive for coronavirus.”

—-

“The users suspended had ridden with two drivers who came into contact with a possible coronavirus case, according to a statement posted to the company’s Mexican Twitter account.”

Uber suspends user accounts of 240 Mexicans after drivers possibly exposed to coronavirus

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BBM:

“The city's leader Carrie Lam had already declared a virus emergencyin the city of 7.3 million on Jan. 25. Embattled Lam has been under pressure to close all of the the city's borders with mainland China.

On Monday, Lam announced that the city would suspend 10 out of a possible 13 border crossings with mainland China in an effort to curb the fast-spreading coronavirus.

Thousands of medical workers in Hong Kong have gone on strike starting Monday to compel the city's government to accede to a demand for a complete shutdown of its borders with mainland China to stem the spread of the virus.

Lam has previously said a complete border shutdown with mainland China would be "discriminatory."”

Hong Kong reports the city's first death related to the new coronavirus

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Hong Kong faces escalated medical strike despite expanded border closures

“Hong Kong’s embattled leader has buckled under intense public and political pressure to announce a further closure of the city’s borders with mainland China to keep out the coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, but still stopping short of the total shutdown demanded by public hospital workers who vowed to escalate a strike they began on Monday.”

—-

Uber freezes 240 Mexico accounts after flagging a possible coronavirus case

“To date, there have not been any confirmed cases of the deadly virus in Mexico. Uber isn't the only major tech company to have acted in the wake of the coronavirus.

Last week, Facebook pledged to limit and remove misinformation about the Wuhan coronavirus shared on its platform, while also informing users if something they share is false.

The social media giant has confirmed to Business Insider that it had halted all non-essential travel to China by its staff, while its employees based in China were also directed to work from home, Bloomberg wrote last week.

Facebook, Google, Amazon, and Apple have all placed sharp restrictions on their own employees' travel to mainland China.”

 

[TDoc72]

At work today (large US Postal facility), I found out that a coworker had returned to work today after being out awhile in Taiwan taking care of her ill mother. She was asked to leave and told they will notify her when to return.
Another coworker in my section returned last week from a month in China dealing w/her mother’s illness and death. They didn’t say anything to her until almost the end of our shift tonight (so almost a week later). They sent the union steward in and took her to a meeting and she was told to go home until further notice w/pay. I felt bad for her as everyone was talking about it as she was getting her stuff and leaving. Then the custodians came in and sprayed a crap ton of Lysol and offered us wipes to wipe our stations. The steward told me later that she will be paid since they aren’t letting her come in.
I didn’t personally feel in any danger but other coworkers (some racists ) were worried.

 

[margarita25]

Some observations:

They are spraying down passengers as they disembark the plane (with what exactly I wonder).

A person/Police checking temperatures has “CHECK ON TERROR” on his vest.

Situation re: Hong Kong is “highly sensitive” after SARS.

See frustrated American “Justin’s” story - he and baby can leave but mom can’t.

—-

Canadian News

Per this video Canadians quarantined in Trenton will be isolated from each other, so if one falls ill everyone else doesn’t have to start over again.

Also, more stories of families potentially being separated.

Reporter talks about flimsy masks being a false sense of security.

Desperation is seen as mobs of people are trying to get masks.

Re: Canadian evacuations, passengers will be screened by both Chinese and Canadian authorities before boarding the plane in China. During the flight, passengers will be monitored by Canadian Armed Forces Medical Team. If they become ill, they will be moved to an isolated area. When they land, they will then be screened again before being sent to 14 day quarantine.

—-

WHO director Tedros is taking about “investing in the Epicenter” (Wuhan), “The Source”, that if this is done, it will help slow the spread.

 

[asyousay]

At work today (large US Postal facility), I found out that a coworker had returned to work today after being out awhile in Taiwan taking care of her ill mother. She was asked to leave and told they will notify her when to return.
Another coworker in my section returned last week from a month in China dealing w/her mother’s illness and death. They didn’t say anything to her until almost the end of our shift tonight (so almost a week later). They sent the union steward in and took her to a meeting and she was told to go home until further notice w/pay. I felt bad for her as everyone was talking about it as she was getting her stuff and leaving. Then the custodians came in and sprayed a crap ton of Lysol and offered us wipes to wipe our stations. The steward told me later that she will be paid since they aren’t letting her come in.
I didn’t personally feel in any danger but other coworkers (some racists ) were worried.

so actually not racist at all is it?

these people have been in counties where people are dropping dead with a disease so it’s trying to prevent the spread of infection.

Of course people are naturally worried and panicked and it’s nothing to do with race.

I saw it on the London tube near Oxford Circus a few days ago when a few Chinese people got on in our carriage and one of happened to cough and sneeze and everybody moved away. It was not racist it was being cautious because we don’t want to catch anything and we know where the illness spread from.


IMO

MOO

 

[Amonet]

What health outlet matches up to this guy? The US cases, none matches this scenario that I've seen at all. There has not been one case that flew into San Fran, or was diagnosed in San Fran to date MOO.


I'm just seeing reports as to Mexico issue that was negative in the end?
Uber freezes 240 Mexico accounts after flagging a possible coronavirus case

As coronavirus panic spreads, Uber and Lyft riders of Asian descent are reporting discrimination from drivers

That's a relief. Thanks for catching that error in my post!

 

[margarita25]

China's Coronavirus DID Come From Bats

"Bats are likely the cause of coronavirus from China after scientists find the virus is 96 per cent identical to one found in the animals.

The virus, which has killed 362 people so far, was believed to have transferred to humans from an animal, but identifying which one has been challenging.

Now, using samples from seven patients with severe pneumonia caused by the coronavirus, scientists have found striking similarities to coronavirus found in bats.

The DNA is also 79.5 per cent identical with the deadly SARS coronavirus, which suggests vaccines for the now non-existent virus may help with this epidemic."

This report is from the DM, so take it with a grain of salt.

China's coronavirus DID come from bats, study claims | Daily Mail Online

Canadian experts agree with the science behind this:

Infectious Disease Expert Discusses Coronavirus with CBC

Additionally, from the CDC’s website:

“Where Do Coronaviruses Come From?

Coronaviruses are common in many different species of animals, including camels and bats. Rarely, these coronaviruses can evolve and infect humans and then spread between humans. Recent examples of this include SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV.

Most coronaviruses infect animals, but not people. In the future, one or more of these other coronaviruses could potentially evolve and spread to humans, as has happened in the past. We still don’t understand why only certain coronaviruses are able to infect people.

Coronavirus | Home | CDC

ETA: @Inthedetails, re: our previous discussion, note I BBM’d “rarely”.

 

[Pi Thoughts]

A real estate agency in Adelaide has temporarily closed and staff are in self-imposed quarantine after finding out South Australia’s two confirmed coronavirus victims attended one of their auctions in the last fortnight.

Staff at Ray White Real Estate in Dulwich have posted a sign in the window of their office on Dulwich Ave to advise customers they will be closed until Thursday, when they will reassess.

SA Health advised earlier this week the infected couple “have been isolated in a home since arriving” in Adelaide from southern China on January 21.

But the real estate business was contacted by federal health authorities on Monday in regards to an auction held at 4 Pam St in Firle, in Adelaide’s northeast, at 6.30pm on January 22.

“Australian Government Department of Health has advised that two people who were in attendance have subsequently tested positive for Coronavirus,” the notice reads.
Coronavirus cases at Adelaide auction

 

[TDoc72]

so actually not racist at all is it?

these people have been in counties where people are dropping dead with a disease so it’s trying to prevent the spread of infection.

Of course people are naturally worried and panicked and it’s nothing to do with race.

I saw it on the London tube near Oxford Circus a few days ago when a few Chinese people got on in our carriage and one of happened to cough and sneeze and everybody moved away. It was not racist it was being cautious because we don’t want to catch anything and we know where the illness spread from.


IMO

MOO

No, I understand why they are doing it. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t have empathy for them. What I meant by that was there were a few comments I overheard that IMO were rude & blatantly racist.

 

[Taskforce88]

The CDC called the outbreak in China "explosive" and "unprecedented."

"We are preparing as if this were the next pandemic," Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said during a call with journalists Monday.

Aggressive action necessary to counter the 'unprecedented threat' of coronavirus, CDC says

 

[Taskforce88]

"Internal Videos From Crematories in Wuhan All corpses were packed in body bags and lined up, waiting for incineration."

曾錚 Jennifer Zeng on Twitter

 

[What if...]

No, I understand why they are doing it. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t have empathy for them. What I meant by that was there were a few comments I overheard that IMO were rude & blatantly racist.

With this particular topic, I think it’s important to keep in mind that there’s a huge difference between racism and racial profiling based on fear. If this epidemic had started here in the US, and I were visiting another country, I would expect that most people would want to keep their distance from me if they realized or assumed I was American. I personally would not be offended by that. A logical assumption would be that there’s a far greater chance that I could have recently come from the region affected, or been in contact with someone that had.
I’m not suggesting that it’s the correct response... but I get it.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

DATE ---- Mainland ---- Outside Mainland China
2/3-----19,700----188
2/2-------17,200----183
2/1Fri -- 14,300 ---- 173
1/31 ---- 11,200 ---- 153
1/30 ---- 9,700 ---- 118
1/29 ---- 7,700 ---- 105
1/28 ---- 6,000 ---- 87
1/27 ---- 4,400 ---- 64
1/26 ---- 2,700 ---- 57
1/25Fri -- 2,000 ---- 40
1/24 ---- 916 ---- 25

Mainland up to 2-3



Outside of Mainland up to 2-3



Operations Dashboard for ArcGIS

What I found interesting is the WHO has pretty much picked up this JH survey site, all with WHO look and logos, yet they left off this very informational graph off of the WHO site.

 

[dixiegirl1035]

That's a relief. Thanks for catching that error in my post!

No, I don't think it's an error. It appears that Uber said that and did that. I just cannot seem to match it up to any of the California known cases we have read about here. At first I thought perhaps it was a disgruntled Uber driver, but it does seem that Uber Mexico did post such, but nothing else has come out as a presser from Uber other than that one post on UberMexico twitter account.

 

[beatrixpotter]

New coronavirus may be no more dangerous than the flu, despite worldwide alarm: experts

“..........as evidence of the severity and transmissabilty of 2019-nCoV trickles in, infectious-disease experts say it’s appearing less menacing than first thought, maybe more like seasonal flu than, say, SARS.

The apparently high mortality rates that dominated headlines initially have shrunk as the number of infections grows, and many of the infected appear to have mild or no symptoms.

To some scientists, the situation is reminiscent of the H1N1 pandemic flu of 2009, which burst onto the scene with a frightening spate of deaths in Mexico, only to be viewed as relatively innocuous by the time it petered out for the season.

“Upfront, what you tend to see is probably an over-representation of severe cases that are getting reported,” said Jason Kindrachuk, Canada Research Chair in emerging viruses at the University of Manitoba.

The people who bring a new infection to the fore are those ill enough to seek medical help and get tested, he noted.

“But there are probably a ton of cases in the background that people just thought were mild cases of flu.”

Kindrachuk and other scientists stress that the jury is still out on the new coronavirus, and say that even if it turns out to be a relatively mild disease, health authorities are right to take it very seriously.

But the sense that the media, public and some nations have over-reacted is beginning to seep into conversation.....”

Well I hope they are right. But it's the 15-20% of known cases needing intensive care that freaks me right out. 15% of people with the flu don't need to be in hospital on oxygen do they?

 

[Amonet]

No, I don't think it's an error. It appears that Uber said that and did that. I just cannot seem to match it up to any of the California known cases we have read about here. At first I thought perhaps it was a disgruntled Uber driver, but it does seem that Uber Mexico did post such, but nothing else has come out as a presser from Uber other than that one post on UberMexico twitter account.

I think I misread and the man went back to LA in the US, not SF. Could the LA case be him, because another article does say he tested positive when he returned to the US and developed symptoms?

 

[Amonet]

The deadly coronavirus outbreak that has spread from China does not yet constitute a "pandemic", the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.

Coronavirus outbreak not yet pandemic - WHO

My personal feeling is that at the moment most cases outside China have been exported from China, and as far as we know the other countries with confirmed cases are doing well with tracking and isolating contactees of confirmed cases. I think they'll probably wait for more cases and/or more sustained human-to-human transmission outside of China before declaring an actual pandemic.

 

[Amonet]

All Britons in China should leave the country if they can to minimise the risk of exposure to the new coronavirus, the Foreign Office has said.

UK tells all Britons to leave China 'if they can'

 

[dixiegirl1035]

Coronavirus outbreak not yet pandemic - WHO

My personal feeling is that at the moment most cases outside China have been exported from China, and as far as we know the other countries with confirmed cases are doing well with tracking and isolating contactees of confirmed cases. I think they'll probably wait for more cases and/or more sustained human-to-human transmission outside of China before declaring an actual pandemic.

Agree, Here's a visual to support your MOO.



https://www.who.int/docs/default-so...20200203-sitrep-14-ncov.pdf?sfvrsn=f7347413_2

 

[Amonet]

While this story's headline is about the search for 239 visitors to Britain who came from Wuhan after the virus emerged, this quote seems to relate to what the BBC said about new advice to Britons in China to leave the country if they can

On Monday, the British embassy in Beijing announced the last flights from China to the UK for British nationals would be leaving this week.

It said flights would be run by "partner countries" and any British nationals and their immediate families, including those with non-UK passports, must make themselves known if they wish to travel.

Coronavirus: Search for travellers who flew to UK from Wuhan before outbreak continues